Zhouzhuang 周庄 – Jiangnan Water Town Architecture

Zhouzhuang is rated the most beautiful water town in China, and it is also one of the most well preserved and representative of the architecture of these towns.

While the enchanting idyllic scenery is one attractive feature of Zhouzhuang 周庄, the architecture features of the Jiangnan water town 江南水乡 are also things to look out for when visiting the place.

Laneways Shaped by the Canals 依河成街

Zhouzhuang has been called the “Venice of the East”. Two horizontal and two vertical rivers in the shape of a Chinese character ”井” created the skeleton of the towns’ core area, in which rivers run parallel to streets and roads interchange with waterways. Chinese style gondolas that are shaped like half an olive ply the waterways, taking tourists these days to enjoy the view on both side of the canals.

And built along both banks of the canals are two storeys shops and lodging that lined along the curvature of the canals. And between these rows of shops are laneways that are formed as a result.

These structures are mainly commercial buildings such as shops in the front and factory or living space at the back, shops on the ground floors and residence in the upper floors. They are lined up on both sides of the narrow commercial street.

Located near the Shen House is a Starbucks. That’s right, this is a proper Starbucks to get your ice latte with paper straw no less.

Over the years, Zhouzhuang has become a hamlet for artists and craftsmen. You can (for a fee of around USD 50) get a calligraphy art piece written specially for you with a poem of your name composed on the spot. This would be a souvenir that you cannot get anywhere else.

Bridge Across the Water 桥街相连

Zhouzhuang lies in the eastern part of the alluvial plains of Taihu Lake Basin of the Yangtze River Delta, and is the joining point of the Water System at the mouth of Yangtze River 长江, the water system of Taihu Lake 太湖 and the water system of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal 京杭运河. The entire area is dotted with lakes, ports and ponds, and crisscrossed and connected by winding rivers and canals. 

By aid of the 14 ancient stone bridges, an inter-connection was realised among canals, streets, houses and lanes, thus the layout and outlook of the ancient town in today.

Imposing Mansions 深宅大院

Zhouzhuang has about 1,000 households living in old dwellings that were built in the Ming and Qing dynasties and the early Republic of China. Several are excellent examples of traditional Chinese architecture.

More than sixty percent of the architectural structures in Zhouzhuang were built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are hundreds of classical courtyards and over 60 carved brick arched gateways, among which the Hall of Shen’s Mansion 沈廳 and Zhang’s Mansion 张廳 are the most representative.

Shen’s House 沈廳 is southeast of Fu’an Bridge on Nanshi Street. Shen Benren 沈本仁 built it in 1742. He is the descendant of Shen Wansan 沈万三 (1306(?)-1394(?)), the richest man in Jiangnan at the beginning of Ming dynasty. The compound has seven courtyards, five archways, and more than 100 rooms. It covers an area of 2,000 square meters. There is a gate and wharf for mooring boats.

Zhang’s House 张廳 is south of the Twin Bridges on Beishi Street. It was built between Zhengtong Period of Ming Dynasty 明正统 (1436-1449) and covers 1,800 square meters or about half an acre. was sold out to a Zhang’s family, thus changing its name from Yishun Tang 怡顺堂 to Yuyan Tang 玉燕堂 (commonly known as Zhang’s House).The house has six courtyards and more than 70 rooms. A square pool was built in the middle section. It is an important historical building.

Heavy Ridges and High Eaves 重脊高檐

When I saw the roof structures of Zhouzhuang, this Chinese idiom came to mind. “飞檐走壁“, which means “leap onto roofs and vault over walls”, aptly described the intertwine of roof tops and eaves as these mansions were built next to each other.

What I described can be best seen in this clip from the movie “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” when the two leading ladies chased each other on top of the roofs and eaves. So when you see how close these roofs and eaves are in real life, that scene makes total sense.

Corridors Along the Canals 河埠廊坊

Within the town, with a dense network of rivers and wharves, people build their houses along the river and establish markets close to bridges.

Because these corridors were so narrow, you get the strange phenomenon of carriages going into the houses, and boats stopping by the door.

Covered Verandas 过街骑楼

These covered verandas 过街骑楼 are unique to these water towns because of the narrow laneways. Some served public functions like a covered passageway that pedestrians can use to get away from the rain. Some were built to facilitate the crossing of the street by the inhabitants without going out from the ground floor. Others were used as halls, rooms or just some extended living space.

Bamboo Through Stone Fences 穿竹石栏

Another special feature can be found next to the bridge along the canal. A fence made with bamboo railings held together with stone hedges called 穿竹石栏 is something unique to water towns, and the most intact (and original) ones in Zhouzhuang can be found next to Taiping Bridge.

Pavilions by the Water 临河水阁

Because the canals were a major way to get in and out of the town efficient, and for carrying of commercial goods to other places in Jiangsu, many households have berths and docks built directly into the building. And some of the households would have their balconies opened facing the canals for an idyllic view from inside the house.

Zhouzhuang has no famous mountains and rivers, only the sound of footsteps on the stone corridors. With its beautiful water and countryside, unique landscape and folk customs, it has become a treasure of oriental culture.

About Zhouzhuang

Zhouzhuang 周庄 is a water town known for its canals in Jiangsu Province 江苏省, China. It is located within the administrative area of Kunshan 昆山, 30 km southeast of the city centre of Suzhou 苏州. The population is roughly 2,000 and non-residents must pay a fee to enter.

In its heyday Zhouzhuang was a trading center for silk, food and many handicrafts. Nowadays it relies on tourism and is one of the top ten visited destinations in China. CNN placed it on its list of the Top 10 most beautiful towns in the world.

You can go there as a day trip from Shanghai. Entrance fees apply, and you can go in 24 hours a day as there are bed and breakfast abodes in the town.

Visited July 2021